Spartanburg has improved because of Fisher’s leadership

Losing the chief

Published: Sunday, June 16, 2013 at 3:15 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, June 14, 2013 at 5:31 p.m.

For 18 years, Tony Fisher was more than Spartanburg’s public safety director. He was a low-key leader in the community, helping to effect positive change.

When Fisher took the reins of the city’s law enforcement and fire service in August 1995, he told residents he wanted to take a holistic approach to law enforcement. When done right, enforcing the law is “part of the whole vision of a city,” he said. Don’t concentrate solely on catching the bad guys. Work with victims. Identify the problems that plague neighborhoods and strive to create change.

He has not only held fast to those principles, he has changed the culture of his department to reflect them. Through his work with other chiefs in the state, he has exported these values.

Fisher has made a difference. Crime in Spartanburg remains an issue, but it’s a less critical issue, partially because of the reasoned, educated approach Fisher has brought to his department and the city.

In 2012, 476 incidents of murder, non-negligent manslaughter, forcible rape, robbery and aggravated assault were reported within the city limits, representing a 14 percent decline from the previous year and a 30 percent drop over the past 10 years. According to the department’s figures, the broader category of index crimes — which includes the aforementioned offenses as well as burglaries, larcenies, arsons and thefts from automobiles — has declined 46 percent during the past 15 years. There are many factors in such a decline, but the impact of Fisher’s brand of proactive law enforcement and community leadership can’t be overlooked.

In talking to a group of city, business, school and nonprofit leaders in February, Fisher described officers as a spoke in the wheel. “We’re not going to make this community great,” the director said. “We’re going to be there for the emergency and working with folks and doing prevention, and that’s what’s key.”

Fisher did not engage in empty rhetoric. He implemented his ideas. Officers participate in neighborhood watch meetings. Officers on bicycles know the names of business owners downtown and work hand-in-hand with other city departments to organize special events — often becoming some of Spartanburg’s best ambassadors.

Because of the chief’s approach, the officer who comes to a resident’s door in an emergency is less likely to be a stranger. That adds to people’s trust and confidence in law enforcement. And when neighborhood residents know their local police officers, they are more comfortable telling them about activities and developments in the area that may affect crime.

Fisher was also effective at recruiting and training an excellent leadership team within his department. City leaders have announced a national search for a new director. They should look for someone who can lead with Fisher’s style and avoid anyone who would disrupt the existing leadership within the department.

All of Spartanburg should wish Tony Fisher an enjoyable retirement and express their gratitude for his work with this city.

<p>For 18 years, Tony Fisher was more than Spartanburg's public safety director. He was a low-key leader in the community, helping to effect positive change.</p><p>When Fisher took the reins of the city's law enforcement and fire service in August 1995, he told residents he wanted to take a holistic approach to law enforcement. When done right, enforcing the law is “part of the whole vision of a city,” he said. Don't concentrate solely on catching the bad guys. Work with victims. Identify the problems that plague neighborhoods and strive to create change.</p><p>He has not only held fast to those principles, he has changed the culture of his department to reflect them. Through his work with other chiefs in the state, he has exported these values.</p><p>Fisher has made a difference. Crime in Spartanburg remains an issue, but it's a less critical issue, partially because of the reasoned, educated approach Fisher has brought to his department and the city.</p><p>In 2012, 476 incidents of murder, non-negligent manslaughter, forcible rape, robbery and aggravated assault were reported within the city limits, representing a 14 percent decline from the previous year and a 30 percent drop over the past 10 years. According to the department's figures, the broader category of index crimes — which includes the aforementioned offenses as well as burglaries, larcenies, arsons and thefts from automobiles — has declined 46 percent during the past 15 years. There are many factors in such a decline, but the impact of Fisher's brand of proactive law enforcement and community leadership can't be overlooked.</p><p>In talking to a group of city, business, school and nonprofit leaders in February, Fisher described officers as a spoke in the wheel. “We're not going to make this community great,” the director said. “We're going to be there for the emergency and working with folks and doing prevention, and that's what's key.”</p><p>Fisher did not engage in empty rhetoric. He implemented his ideas. Officers participate in neighborhood watch meetings. Officers on bicycles know the names of business owners downtown and work hand-in-hand with other city departments to organize special events — often becoming some of Spartanburg's best ambassadors.</p><p>Because of the chief's approach, the officer who comes to a resident's door in an emergency is less likely to be a stranger. That adds to people's trust and confidence in law enforcement. And when neighborhood residents know their local police officers, they are more comfortable telling them about activities and developments in the area that may affect crime.</p><p>Fisher was also effective at recruiting and training an excellent leadership team within his department. City leaders have announced a national search for a new director. They should look for someone who can lead with Fisher's style and avoid anyone who would disrupt the existing leadership within the department.</p><p>All of Spartanburg should wish Tony Fisher an enjoyable retirement and express their gratitude for his work with this city.</p>